Medical Marijuana Doctors in Colorado

Colorado Medical Marijuana Doctors

Colorado medical marijuana doctors must hold valid, unrestricted DEA certifications. Additionally, they must be in good standing and licensed to practice medicine in the state to be able to recommend qualifying patients for medical cannabis. While Colorado permits telehealth services, it is illegal for any medical marijuana doctor to recommend medical cannabis via telemedicine appointment in the state.

Do You Need to See a Medical Marijuana Doctor in Colorado?

Yes, qualifying patients must see their medical providers and obtain certifications for medical marijuana treatment if they intend to use medical marijuana in Colorado. Patients who are minors must visit two Colorado medical marijuana doctors and obtain two separate physician certifications. Where the recommending physician of a child with disabling medical conditions is not their primary care physician, the recommending medical provider must review the records of the diagnosing doctor.

What Doctors Can Prescribe Medical Marijuana in Colorado?

Osteopathic doctors (DOs) and medical doctors (MDs) in good standing and licensed to practice medicine in Colorado can recommend medical cannabis for all medical conditions in the state. However, only the following types of advanced practice medical providers with prescriptive authority, in good standing, and licensed to practice in Colorado can recommend medical marijuana for disabling medical conditions:

• Advanced nurse practitioners
• Physician assistants
• Optometrists
• Dentists
• Podiatrists

Generally, Colorado medical marijuana doctors must have valid, unrestricted Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) certifications to be able to recommend qualifying patients for medical cannabis in the state.

Does Colorado Provide a List of Licensed Medical Marijuana Doctors?

No. The state's Department of Public Health (CDPHE) has no official Colorado medical marijuana doctor list.

How to Find Colorado Medical Marijuana Doctors Near Me

When looking for a Colorado medical marijuana doctor, a qualifying patient must ensure they find a medical practitioner in good standing and licensed to practice medicine in the state. Asking other registered medical marijuana patients in the neighborhood is usually an excellent way to find such medical practitioners.

Can the Appointment with a Colorado Medical Marijuana Doctor Happen Online?

Yes, but the use of telehealth for appointments with medical cannabis patients by Colorado medical marijuana doctors is at their discretion. Generally, telehealth shortens the wait for a medical appointment and limits physical contact, thereby reducing people's exposure to certain debilitating medical conditions. However, Colorado Medical Board Policy 40-27(III)(j) prohibits recommending medical marijuana via telemedicine. Recommendations for medical cannabis must be made through in-person consultations in clinical settings.

How Much Medical Marijuana Can a Doctor Prescribe in Colorado?

A Colorado medical marijuana doctor's recommendation permits a qualifying marijuana patient to possess up to 2 ounces of usable cannabis per time. However, if this amount cannot meet the patient's legitimate medical needs, their recommending medical provider may increase their purchase or possession limits, depending on the severity of their condition.